Libertarian Gary Johnson to Oppose NM Dem Sen. Heinrich

Former Libertarian presidential candidate Gary Johnson on Tuesday began a campaign to unseat incumbent Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M.

In a YouTube video titled "You Know Gary Johnson," posted by the Elect Liberty PAC, the narrator touts Johnson's two terms as governor of New Mexico, from 1995 to 2003, and his spending and tax cuts — declaring he is "fiscally conservative" and "socially cool."

"Gary Johnson isn't the norm in politics, he's the future," the ad's narrator says. "You know what Gary Johnson will do in the Senate because you know Gary Johnson."

Johnson was added to the state's list of Senate candidates as final paperwork was being filed with election officials, with a formal announcement expected soon.

Johnson's entry into the Senate race Democrats have been favored to win could complicate the party's national effort to hold seats or make gains in the chamber.

The GOP Senate candidate is Mick Rich, an Albuquerque, N.M.-based construction contractor and political newcomer.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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